10 best non-mainstream Nanyang-style cafes in Singapore

For nations like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, culinary traditions serve as a living map of their heritage, proving that culture is most alive when it’s being shared at the table. When you combine the region’s flavours, ingredients, and spices, you get Nanyang-style cuisine: a rich, robust fusion that tells a story in every bite.

I’m sure most of you have visited the popular mainstream brand in JB and Singapore, but the only problem? Long, snaking queues that never seem to die down. Thankfully, there are several other similar concepts that have recently popped up or have been around our shores for some time. In this food guide, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best non-mainstream Nanyang-style cafes in Singapore for you to check out. Enjoy a nasi lemak, share a kaya toast or sip on some robust kopi for me!

1. Wang Lee Cafe

I’m sure those of you who reside in Toa Payoh have probably visited or heard of Wang Lee Cafe at 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh. The once ‘hidden’ cafe is now extremely popular with a constant queue during lunchtime. Thankfully, this establishment has recently opened its 2nd outlet at Sunshine Plaza. Do note that prices vary with each branch.

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best spots to savour a bowl of Chilli Ban Mian (S$6.80 at Toa Payoh, S$7.50 at Sunshine Plaza) or Dry You Mee (S$5.80 at Toa Payoh, S$6.50 at Sunshine Plaza).

If noodles aren’t your jam, don’t worry. Their new outlet features fresh new additions like Kicap Manis Chicken Rice (S$7.80) that comes with plain rice, a chicken drumstick drenched in a sweet and savoury kicap manis gravy, and in-house made achar. And of course, who doesn’t enjoy the classic Curry Chicken with French Loaf (S$7.80)?

Looking for something light to start the day? Order the Home Made Kaya Butter Toast Set (S$5.80 at Toa Payoh, S$6.20 at Sunshine Plaza) for breakfast which comes with 2 soft boiled eggs and hot coffee/tea. By topping up S$2, you can upgrade your hot beverage to an ice-cold Volcano Kopi or Volcano Teh Peng.

Best for: Chill lunch sessions, breakfast

Price: From S$5.50++ per pax 

91 Bencoolen Street, Sunshine Plaza, #01-50, Singapore 189652
+65 8731 5597
Fri to Wed: 9am – 7pm
Closed on Thu

92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-274, Singapore 310092
+65 8731 5597
Fri to Wed: 7am – 5pm
Closed on Thu
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2. Dongsheng Cafe

Located just a stone’s throw away from exit 3 of Mayflower MRT Station lies Dongsheng Cafe, an air-conditioned spot that’s designed to look like a nostalgic kopitiam. It serves Nanyang-style dishes and the price point of all the dishes on the menu are below S$8 — pretty reasonable, if you ask me.

Hand-torn only when an order is placed, the Mani Cai with (Mee Hoon Kueh) (S$6.80) features in-house crafted mee hoon kueh that’s served with minced pork, ikan bilis, mani cai, poached egg, fishcakes, meat balls, and a fried beancurd pocket.

I highly recommend people who visit this place for the first time to try the Steamed Kaya Toast with Butter (S$3.50). The Hainanese kaya used here is made from 100% gula melaka. For maximum enjoyment, open up the dim sum basket and consume it within 30 seconds. The pairing of the warm and fluffy bread with the rich kaya and cold butter is simply divine.

You can also slurp on a bowl of Laksa (S$6.80) or feast on a plate of Rendang Chicken with Nasi Lemak (S$7.80). For drinks, get a glass of Dirty Milo (S$3.90) or Dirty Ice Coffee (S$3.90) to combat the warm weather outside.

Best for: Breakfast, catchup with friends

Price: From S$3.50++ per pax 

163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, #01-414, Singapore 560163
Daily: 8am – 8pm
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3. The Canteen by Tin Box

Situated conveniently at Bugis Junction, The Canteen by Tin Box serves up your favourite kopitiam mains alongside a lineup of local and Western-style dishes.

For something truly unique, the Asian Eggs Benedict (S$6.50) is The Canteen’s rendition on the Western brunch classic. This dish comes with 2 English muffins crowned with lettuce, bacon strips and a fried egg (in place of the usual Hollandaise-doused poached eggs), paired with glorious golden-brown potato wedges. If you’re looking for something more substantial, then the Asian Big Brekkie (S$10.50) is the way to go.

If traditional local fare floats your boat, then order the Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak (S$10.90) that comes with fragrant coconut rice, cucumber slices, sambal, half a boiled egg, achar, a scattering of ikan bilis and peanuts, and a bowl of curry chicken on the side. The quantity of the curry is generous, which comes with 3 large chunks of tender chicken and pillowy potatoes, all bathed in a creamy, fragrant spiced gravy.

You can’t say you had a Nanyang-style feast without enjoying the Pandan Kaya Butter Toast (S$2.30). It features lightly crisped bread slices sandwiched with a spread of pandan kaya and creamy slabs of cold butter.

Best for: Shopping break, casual lunch meetups

Price: From S$5.50++ per pax 

80 Middle Road, Bugis Junction, #01-71/72 , Singapore 188966
Mon to Fri: 11am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
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4. Ah Nam Kopi

Ah Nam Kopi is a cafe hidden within Singapore Management University. In case you’re wondering if this place is only open to students — don’t worry, it’s opened to the public as well! It serves nostalgic and authentic Nanyang-style dishes. What’s more, you can enjoy comforting delights without burning a hole in your wallet. Yes! The dishes are are all under S$10.

To start your day, you can savour some Yam Butter Toast (S$3.50 for à la carte) or make it more substantial by getting a Set (S$6.60) with Soft Boiled Eggs (S$2.20 for à la carte) and a beverage.

One of the must-tries is the Fried Chicken Nasi Lemak (S$6.90), made with blue pea coconut milk rice and served with an aromatic spiced fried chicken.

If you’re feeling parched, the Meow Mie Milk Tea (S$4.20 for a la carte) makes an ideal thirst quencher. What’s more, it comes with a cute wushi kitten-shaped tea ice cube laying atop the froth.

For hot drinks, you can also try the Butter Kopi (S$2.40) or Butter Kopi C (S$2.60). The butter makes all the difference, giving it a smooth and creamy taste of nostalgia.

Order Delivery: foodpanda

Best for: Relaxed breakfast sessions, quick lunch

Price: From S$3.50++ per pax 

50 Stamford Road, Singapore 178899
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 3.30pm
Closed on Sun
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5. The Joy Kopi 鼎悦茶室

The Joy Kopi 鼎悦茶室 is a mini gleam of light in the sleepy neighbourhood of Serangoon North. When I say ‘mini’, I really mean it: the place seats just around 20 people. This relatively new cafe has been around for less than a year and offers Nanyang-inspired dishes. The menu isn’t particularly extensive. If you’re seeking variety, temper your expectations to avoid being let down.

For bread lovers, the cafe not only serves the usual Kaya Butter (S$2.80) and Kaya Peanut (S$2.80), but also has Egg Mayo (S$4) and Tuna Mayo (S$4) sandwiches. I also spotted Nostalgia Crackers (S$2) on the menu and had to get them. They come in 4 flavours — kaya, butter, sugar, and peanut.

For mains, I tried the Nasi Lemak (S$7) which came with a chicken drumstick, a fried egg, sambal, and the usual ikan bilis-peanut combo. Though the rice could do with more flavour, the rest of the elements, particularly the sambal, were good. Non-coffee drinkers can go for the LAVA Milo (S$3.80), a thick and sweet concoction that screamed 1 word — shiok!

Best for: Quick breakfast, casual lunch

Price: From S$2.80++ per pax  

152 Serangoon North Avenue 1, #01-316, Singapore 550152
+65 8963 5437
7am – 6.30pm (Daily)
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Jalan berseh curry puff stall now offers satay mee rebus, nasi lemak & dry mee siam

6. Next Chapter Eating House

Next Chapter Eating House at 304 Ubi Avenue 1 is a secluded cafe that’s probably only known by the nearby residents and workers around the Ubi Industrial Estate. The establishment is owned by Ipoh-born owner, Mr Chong, who used to work in the F&B industry for 2 decades before making the decision to open his very own business.

If you’re a fan of roasted meats, this place prides itself in using charcoal to grill its range of meats such as char siew. It also makes its kaya in-house.

Speaking of kaya, ordering the Homemade Kaya Butter Toast Set (S$4.80) is recommended. It throws in soft-boiled eggs and your choice of coffee or tea. The coconut jam here is well balanced and fragrant, perfect complementing the rich butter.

Wrecking your brains on whether to order the poached or roasted chicken for the Signature Boneless Hainanese Chicken Rice Set (S$6.80)? I’ll confidently say that their poached chicken is one of the silkiest and most tender versions I’ve ever tried. Otherwise, the Charcoal Roasted Char Siew Wanton Noodles (S$5.30) is pretty decent, too!

Order Delivery: Deliveroo foodpanda

Best for: Breakfast, early dinner catchups

Price: From S$5.50++ per pax 

304 Ubi Avenue 1, #01-93, Singapore 400304
Daily: 8.15am – 7.45pm
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7. Ipoh Station Kopitiam

IT enthusiasts and those shopping for labtops and DIY computers at Sim Lim Square, this entry is for you. Did you know that besides the ever-popular 3 Meals a Day, you can head up to level 4 to check out Ipoh Station Kopitiam?

Its seating capacity might not be as large as other mainstream Nanyang-style spots, but its menu spanning multiple food and drink options more than makes up for it. If you’re an early bird who usually eats breakfast before heading to work, you can relish in a Breakfast Set (S$5.50) or enjoy the Chee Cheong Fun w/ Mushroom sauce or Chee Cheong Fun w Sweet Sauce for just S$3.

Caffeine addicts like myself who depend on a cup of Joe in the morning to get through the day can go for the Nanyang-style kopis which are known to be robust and strong. Sip on a cup of Kopi O (S$1.80 for hot, S$2.80 for cold) or Ipoh White Kopi.

Heading there for lunch or dinner? Rice lovers can relish in a plate of Otah Nasi Lemak (S$7.50) or Special Big Chicken Drumstick Nasi Lemak (S$9.80). Ipoh is also renowned for its curry mee, so whether you’re someone who goes for dry or with gravy, there’s something up your alley. Slurp on the Ipoh Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Noodle (S$6.80), Ipoh Dry Curry Chicken Noodle (S$5.80), or Ipoh Curry Char Siew Crispy Pork Noodle (S$7.50).

Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo

Best for: Breakfast, late lunch breaks

Price: From S$3++ per pax 

Rochor Canal Road, Sim Lim Square, #04-77, Singapore 188504
+65 9658 3696
Daily: 9am – 8.30pm

8. Singapura Nanyang Coffee 狮城南洋咖啡馆

Singapura Nanyang Cafe is tucked away on the 2nd storey of Marina Square, proudly serving Asian dishes, kaya toast, and the aromatic, iconic beverage that brings it altogether — Nanyang coffee, of course!

With a green and brown aesthetic, the space is warm and welcoming, combining a retro kopitiam look with a contemporary design. Take your time to enjoy your food, chill, people-watch, and just enjoy the vibes.

The menu spans selections including several varieties of dry mee siam, toast and eggs, nasi lemak, noodles, fried rice, and side dishes.

Slurp on a bowl of Classic Prawn Noodle Soup (S$9.90) and Char Siew Kolo Mee (S$7.90). If you’re looking for something more unique,  switch things up with the Boneless Thigh Meat Berempah Mee Siam (S$9.90) or Rendang Beef Fried Rice (S$12.90).

For light bites, you can snack on Braised Pork Buns (S$3.80/S$6.80), Egg Tart (S$2.80/S$5) or Peanut Butter Toast (S$2.60).

Best for: Afternoon tea sessions, dinner

Price: From S$2.60++ per pax 

6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-220A-222A, Singapore 039594
+65 6272 0000
Daily: 9.30am – 8.30pm
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9. JUwei Old Nanyang Coffee Shop 聚味老南洋咖啡店

Located in Clarke Quay, JUwei Old Nanyang Coffee Shop is a trendy coffee shop with nostalgic vibes. It’s on level 1 of the JU, a 5-storey building with entertainment places like karaoke party rooms, live band and a lounge.

Besides its normal menu, this place has a Breakfast (8am – 11am) as well as Supper (11pm – closing) menu. In fact, this is the only spot in the list that opens till late — late-night diners, do take note. In the mornings, slurp on a bowl of Penang Prawn Mee (S$9.80), Roasted Pork Curry Mee (S$10.80), or Asian Bee Hoon with Chicken Wing Set (S$7.80).

Throughout the day, its main menu offers dishes like Penang Char Kway Teow (S$12.80), KL Hokkien Mee (S$12.80), and Chicken Satay (S$15.80). You can also satisfy your dessert cravings here with Durian Chendol (S$6.80), and Milky Grass Jelly (S$4).

For drinks, you can check out their Nanyang Ice Signatures like the Coconut Kopi (S$4.50), Gula Melaka Kopi (S$4.90), and Cincau Yuan Yang (S$3.90).

Best for: Supper sessions, breakfast

Price: From S$7.80++ per pax 

29 Carpenter Street, Level 1, Singapore 059923
+65 8298 0374
Mon to Thu: 8am – 2am
Fri & Sat: 8am – 2.30am
Sun: 11am – 11pm
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10. Good Morning Nanyang Cafe

Situated in the sleepy mall of the once-popular Far East Plaza is Good Morning Nanyang Cafe, a cosy cafe that’s run by a lady whose elderly father helps out. Besides local dishes and aromatic kopi, the establishment also offers toasts, both in local flavors and Italian-inspired varieties.

The menu features several Asian staples such as Mee Siam (S$6.10), Laksa (S$6.40), Curry Chicken with Rice (S$7.50), Chee Cheong Fun (S$2.80), and Chicken Stew with Rice (S$8). If you’re curious where does the Italian element come in play, the father and daughter duo has ciabatta options. Try the Ciabatta Toast (S$3.60) or Orange Ciabatta (S$3.90). The latter is served with caramelised orange peel, making it extra citrusy and refreshing.

To make things seamless, they also offer several Value Sets such as Orange Ciabatta + Kopi/Tea + Egg (2X) for just S$7.50.

Best for: Chill breakfast sessions, lunch meetups

Price: From S$3.60++ per pax 

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #02-23 , Singapore 228213
+65 9650 3256
Daily: 8am – 8pm
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How to choose the ideal Nanyang cafe for your needs

If you’re in town and craving Nanyang cuisine, head to Good Morning Nanyang Cafe, Ah Nam Kopi, or Wang Lee Cafe at Sunshine Plaza. Otherwise, there are plenty of options in the heartlands like Dongsheng Cafe, The Joy Kopi 鼎悦茶室, and Wang Lee Cafe at Toa Payoh.

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